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2005 Fuel Economy Guide Lists Top 10 Vehicles

Release Date: 10/07/2004
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EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have released the 2005 Fuel Economy Guide to help consumers make well-informed choices when purchasing a new vehicle.

Topping out at an estimated 61 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city, hybrids again lead the list of fuel-efficient vehicles for the new model year. Debuting at 12th in overall mileage this year is the Ford Escape hybrid two-wheel drive sport-utility vehicle (SUV), which at 36 mpg in the city leads the SUV class. The Ford Escape joins the Honda Insight, Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius in the hybrid market. In addition to being fuel-efficient, hybrids are among the cleanest running vehicles available.

"Fuel economy is an important factor for new car buyers," said EPA Administrator Mike Leavitt. "As technology continues to improve, Americans can choose fuel-efficient cars without compromising comfort or style, and this is good for the environment and the wallet."

"Fuel efficiency makes economic sense while improving the nation's energy security," Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham said. "The 2005 Fuel Economy Guide and our companion Web site, www.fueleconomy.gov, can help consumers make wise purchasing decisions."

EPA and DOE provide several online sources for more fuel economy information. The joint EPA and Department of Energy Web site, http://www.fueleconomy.gov, offers detailed information on vehicle fuel economy, including a complete version of the Fuel Economy Guide. The site includes fuel economy information going back to 1978, which can be helpful for buying used cars. The Web site also includes emissions information and the Department of Transportation's safety data for model year 2005 vehicles as well as fuel-saving tips for drivers. Printed copies of the "2005 Fuel Economy Guide" will be available at car dealerships, public libraries and credit unions later this fall.

Comprehensive information about EPA's Fuel Economy Program is available at: https://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy . In addition, EPA has posted the 2005 models on the Green Vehicle Guide Web site to give consumers a better picture of fuel economy and automobile emissions. Consumers can use this guide to locate the cleanest running and most fuel efficient vehicle that meets their needs. To access this guide, visit: https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles .

Fuel economy estimates are determined by averaging numbers gathered through tests conducted by manufacturers and verified by EPA. Vehicles are tested in a controlled laboratory setting and the results are adjusted to reflect actual driving conditions. All vehicles are tested in the same way so consumers can compare the results when choosing a vehicle type or class. The mpg estimates appear on window stickers on all new cars and light trucks prior to sale. To ensure these estimates continue to remain as reliable as possible, EPA has begun a collaborative process with various stakeholders to update its testing procedures, and plans to propose appropriate changes in the next year.

The 2005 fuel economy leaders overall and by class as well as the lowest fuel economy models are listed below.


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2005 Model Year Fuel Economy Leaders

MPG
Rank Manufacturer/Model city/highway

1. Honda Insight (hybrid-electric, manual) 61/66

2. Toyota Prius (hybrid-electric) 60/51

3. Honda Insight (hybrid-electric, automatic) 57/56

4. Honda Civic Hybrid (automatic, lean burn) 48/47

5. Honda Civic Hybrid (automatic) 47/48

6. Honda Civic Hybrid (manual, lean burn) 46/51

7. Honda Civic Hybrid (manual) 45/51

8. Volkswagen New Beetle/Golf/Jetta (diesel, manual) 38/46

9. Volkswagen Jetta Wagon (diesel, manual) 36/47

10. Honda Civic (manual) 36/44


Highest Fuel Economy by Vehicle Class
2005 Model Year

MPG
Class Model city/highway
Two Seater Honda Insight (manual) 61/66

Minicompact Car Mini Cooper (manual 5-speed) 28/36

Subcompact Car Volkswagen New Beetle Diesel (man.) 38/46

Compact Car Honda Civic Hybrid (automatic, "lean burn") 48/47

Midsize Car Toyota Prius (hybrid) 60/51

Large Car Chevrolet Malibu Maxx 22/30

Small Station Wagon Volkswagen Jetta Wagon Diesel (manual) 36/47

Midsize Station Wagon Passat Diesel Wagon 27/38

Sport Utility Vehicle Ford Escape HEV (2WD) 36/31

Minivan Honda Odyssey 20/28

Pickup Truck Ford Ranger Pickup 2WD 24/29
Mazda B2300 2WD

Cargo Van Chevrolet Astro 2WD (Cargo) 16/22
GMC Safari 2WD (Cargo) "

Passenger Van Chevrolet Astro 2WD (Passenger) 16/21
GMC Safari 2WD (Passenger)


Lowest Fuel Economy Models*
2005 Model Year

MPG
Rank Manufacturer/Model city/highway

1. Dodge Ram Pickup 2WD (automatic) 9/12

2. Lamborghini L-147/148 Murcielago (manual) 9/13

3. Dodge Ram Pickup 2WD (manual) 9/15
Lamborghini L-140/141 Gallardo (automatic) "

4. Bentley Arnage, Arnage LWB 10/14

5. Lamborghini L-147/148 Murcielago (automatic) 10/15

6. Ferrari 360 Modena/Spider/Challenge (automatic) 10/16
Ferrari 575 M Maranello (manual) "

7. Ferrari 575 M Maranello (automatic-3mode) 10/17
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (automatic) "
Lamborghini L-140/141 Gallardo "

8. Ferrari 360 Modena/Spider/Challenge (manual) 11/16

9. Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (manual) 11/17

10. Bentley Continental GT (automatic) 11/18
Aston Martin DB9 Volante (automatic) "

*Trucks over 8500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating are exempt from federal fuel economy requirements.



Lowest Fuel Economy by Vehicle Class*
2005 Model Year

MPG
Class Make/Model city/highway

Two Seater Lamborghini L-147/148 Murcielago 9/13

Minicompact Car Aston Martin DB9 Volante 11/18

Subcompact Car Maserati Coupe & Gransport 12/17

Compact Car Bentley Continental GT 11/18

Midsize Car Bentley Arnage 10/14

Large Car Bentley Arnage LWB 10/14

Small Station Wagon Audi S4 Avant (manual) 15/21

Midsize Station Wagon Mercedes E55 AMG Wagon 14/21

Sport Utility Vehicle Mercedes G55 AMG 12/14

Minivan Kia Sedona 16/22

Pickup Truck Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup 2WD 9/12

Cargo Van Chevrolet Astro AWD (Cargo) Conv 14/17
GMC Safari AWD (Cargo) Conv "
Ford E150 Econoline 2WD "

Passenger Van Ford E150 Club Wagon 13/17

*Trucks over 8500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating are exempt from federal fuel economy requirements.






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